The Big Takeover is one of the longest running independently produced music publications still in existence.It was begun in 1980 by Jack Rabid and David Stein. Up until 1983, it was given away for free in New York area clubs and record stores. Originally a photocopied publication, it is now printed, and has been publishing for 25 years. The 60th issue was released in 2007.

Jack Rabid has become a well known writer on music, and has written for many zines. His attitude towards publishing a zine is reflected in a quote from The Big Takeover website: "Encouraging culture as a participatory event rather than a passive event is the message I have always tried to impart."